About Malus angustifolia (Aiton) Michx.
Malus angustifolia (Aiton) Michx., commonly called M. angustifolia, is a tree that sometimes reaches 10 meters (33 feet) in height. Its trunk can grow up to 25 centimeters (10 inches) in diameter. This species produces pink, pleasantly scented flowers. Its fruits grow to 3 cm (1+1⁄4 in) in diameter, have an aromatic scent and a pear-like shape, and are yellow-green with some red coloring when ripe. This species is distributed across an area ranging from Florida west to eastern Texas, and north to New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Missouri. M. angustifolia grows best in moist, well-drained habitats, and requires full sunlight to produce inflorescences. It has been documented growing in dry hammocks, xeric flatwoods, mesic woodlands, floodplains, and pine woods. A variety of wildlife eats the fruits of this tree. While the raw fruits are astringent, acidic, and unpalatable to humans, they can be processed into jellies, jams, and food preserves. This tree is also cultivated as an ornamental plant.
